Jain Center Minnesota MN 2007 07 Pratishtha

Author(s): Jain Center Minnesota USA
Publisher: USA Jain Center Minnesota

Page 93

A Second-Generation JCM Jain "Reincarnation" to a San Diego
Jain Family
by Amit M. Shah
First of all, congratulations to all the Jains - both past and current - in Minnesota!! The Pratistha celebration culminates a vision of nearly 25 years ago. Back then, I was a quiet boy entering my teenage years and I had no idea that Jainism would be a major influence in my life.
I owe my Jain values to my loving parents, Mahendra and Kusum. My mother installed a great sense of pride in being Jain. It was not an easy accomplishment; since growing up in the Twin Cities, there was a small community of Jains. My sister, Mona, and brother, Ketan, seem to be the only children attending the monthly meetings on a regular basis. Our parents were dedicated and committed members of the Jain Center of Minnesota (JCM) and attended the meetings with them. These meetings were usually discussion topics, like Ahimsa or Paryushan, led by Ram Uncle. Slowly, Mona and I started leading the discussion, especially after attending the 1994 Young Jains of America Convention in Chicago. At this convention, we saw many of our 2nd-genderation Jains having the same issues growing up in the United States. I realize then that I like being a Jain.
Jainism is fundamentally very unique relative to other religions and it makes perfect sense. It doesn't really focus in trying to explain the unexplainable. Instead, Jainism provides simplicity during difficult times living in America. It guides us to be compassionate to help others in need, like feeding the homeless. Most importantly, the Jain way of life has captivated my two beautiful daughters, Rani and Sarina.
Rani and Sarina are two girls that are your typical "California" girls. They love the sun; wanting to go to the beach every chance they can. Jainism has influenced each of their life. For instance, when my family went to go feed the homeless for the first time, Rani displayed a unique compassion in her heart that made my wife, Cheryl, and I very proud of her. She was saddened to see nice individuals without any homes and very happy that she helped serve food. Now, we go once a month to feed the homeless with a group of San Diego Jains. Sarina is a well-knowledgeable Jain. She told her preschool teacher that she couldn't eat her school lunch, because eating meat makes the animals die. They are both in the Jain Society of San Diego Jainshala class and are learning about the life of Bhagwan Mahavir and Jain philosophy.
Lastly, I'm grateful that Jain Center of Minnesota provided a forum to share the Jain culture and heritage within the Twin Cities community. Now, living in San Diego, the positive experience from JCM is highly valued. I, along with Cheryl, strive to build the same, and, hopefully, stronger foundation of Jainism to Rani and Sarina.